National economy Company bosses are worried about the consequences of US customs policy
US President Donald Trump's tariff policy and the fear of a trade war have become the biggest cause for concern among CEOs worldwide. The bosses of Swiss companies are also worried about margin losses as a result and are holding off on investments.
12.06.2025, 09:04
SDA
This was revealed in a survey published on Thursday. In the "CEO Outlook Survey" conducted by consulting firm EY, over half of Swiss CEOs identified the current geopolitical and trade policy uncertainty as the main risk for their own company. Worldwide, the figure was 42 percent.
From March 10 to April 3, EY surveyed 1,200 managers around the world, 50 of them in Switzerland.
Concerns are particularly high when it comes to new customs duties or tariff increases. In Switzerland, this is the case for 44% of the CEOs surveyed, and for exactly half of the CEOs worldwide. Customs concerns are particularly high in Germany and the USA, but much lower in China.
Investments are being postponed
The unpredictable US customs policy has become the biggest risk for the economy, writes EY in the text accompanying the survey. As a result, companies' margins are likely to suffer and price increases are to be expected. In the survey, 31 percent of Swiss CEOs stated that they would pass on at least some of the increased costs to customers. One third of respondents worldwide said the same.
However, many company bosses - 42% worldwide, 36% in Switzerland - also want to try to offset the additional costs by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. At the same time, companies are scrutinizing their investment plans.
Worldwide, 22% of CEOs stated that they had stopped at least one planned investment. In Switzerland, this was the response of a fifth of CEOs. And overall, more than half of CEOs stated that they would delay at least one investment.
Company takeovers still planned
Despite concerns about a weakening economy and the high level of uncertainty, interest in acquisitions and sales of companies or parts of companies remains high, according to the survey. According to the survey, almost half of Swiss managers are planning at least one merger or takeover in the next twelve months, with the global figure rising to 57%.
At the same time, managers are keen to build strategic partnerships with the aim of minimizing costs and conserving company resources. According to the survey, 58% of managers in Switzerland are planning to do this, while worldwide the figure is a good two thirds. According to EY, alliances also offer the necessary flexibility in the face of major technological changes and allow companies to act quickly.
